Glentoran is pleased to announce a new partnership with Stephen McCosh Funeral Director, who joins the Club as an Official Academy Partner for the 2025/26 season.

The partnership will see Stephen McCosh Funeral Director support every age groups within the Glentoran Academy, strengthening one of Northern Ireland’s leading youth development pathways.

The commitment of the East Belfast–based business further strengthens Glentoran’s ambition to provide young players from Under-6 to Under-19 with a professional, inclusive environment that blends elite coaching with strong community values.

Established in 2008, the Glentoran Academy is a high-performance development environment for young players and has a proven record of producing graduates who progress into leading academies across the UK, as well as into the Glentoran First Team.

Current first-team players such as Johnny Russell, Charlie Lindsay, Aaron Wightman and James Douglas all progressed through the Academy pathway.

Recent graduates including Joel Kerr (West Ham United), Rhys Walsh (Sunderland), George Feeney (Tottenham Hotspur), Conor Haughey (Fleetwood Town), Mason Munn (Rangers) and Francis Turley (Celtic) have earned moves into full-time football.

Michael Jackson, Glentoran Academy Manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome Stephen McCosh Funeral Director into the Glentoran Academy. Their support will have a genuinely meaningful impact across every age group and will strengthen the work we are doing to develop young players within a professional, high-performance environment.

“The Academy has made significant progress in recent years, driven by higher coaching standards and continued investment in technology, analysis and strength and conditioning. Partnerships like this are vital in enabling us to sustain that momentum and ensure every young player receives the best possible support to learn, grow and reach their potential.

“We are proud of the pathway we have created, and the achievements of our recent graduates reflect the strength and quality of our environment. Some have progressed into the Glentoran first team, others have moved to clubs locally, and many have secured opportunities in Britain with leading academies. With partners who share our values and belief in youth development, we can continue building an academy that prepares young people for success on and off the pitch.”

Stephen McCosh Funeral Director is an independent, family-owned business with locations in East Belfast, the Shankill Road and Newtownabbey. Established in 2014, the company has built a strong reputation for care, professionalism and attention to detail, providing families with a compassionate and personal service at times of loss. Their modern facilities, dedicated team and commitment to dignity ensure every family receives the highest standard of support.

Stephen McCosh, Founder and Managing Director of Stephen McCosh Funeral Directors, said: “It is a privilege to support Glentoran Academy, a programme that plays such an important role in shaping young people across East Belfast. When I met Jacko and heard first-hand about the incredible work taking place across every age group, it was clear how much dedication and professionalism goes into the development of these young players.”

“Our decision to partner with the Academy reflects our commitment to the communities we serve and our desire to support initiatives that promote development, wellbeing and opportunity for young people. The Academy embodies the values we believe in as a business and we are proud to play our part in helping it grow. We look forward to supporting the Glentoran Academy and contributing to its continued success.”

Stephen McCosh Funeral Director is an independent, family-owned business with locations in East Belfast, the Shankill Road and Newtownabbey. Established in 2014, the company has built a strong reputation for care, professionalism and attention to detail, providing families with a compassionate and personal service at times of loss. Their modern facilities, dedicated team and commitment to dignity ensure every family receives the highest standard of support.

Stephen McCosh, Founder and Managing Director of Stephen McCosh Funeral Directors, said: “It is a privilege to support Glentoran Academy, a programme that plays such an important role in shaping young people across East Belfast. When I met Jacko and heard first-hand about the incredible work taking place across every age group, it was clear how much dedication and professionalism goes into the development of these young players.”

“Our decision to partner with the Academy reflects our commitment to the communities we serve and our desire to support initiatives that promote development, wellbeing and opportunity for young people. The Academy embodies the values we believe in as a business and we are proud to play our part in helping it grow. We look forward to supporting the Glentoran Academy and contributing to its continued success.”